Opera Studies
FALL 2025 REGISTRATION COMING SOON
INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE, MUELLER CENTER
Isn't It Romantic?
19th CENTURY ROMANTIC OPERA IN CONTEXT
In a unique first, the Fielden Institute Lifelong Learning at Indian River State College is partnering with Vero Beach Opera for a special course
offering. Join us for 5-week course on Fridays during the second semester at Indian River State College's Mueller Center in Vero Beach.
Our presenters from the Fielden Institute will examine the context of several operatic marvels from the first half of the 19th Century – operas which have thrilled audiences ever since their creation – commencing with Verdi’s Rigoletto (being presented by Vero Beach Opera on January 11, 2026).
We’ll assess the dynamic and different historical settings in which each opera was created: Germany and Italy emerging as national states, France shaking off the malaise of the Revolution and Russia a medieval society with serfdom and absolutism flourishing.
We will also consider the fabulous tapestries of artistic and literary masterpieces of the Romantic Era. Other operas in the course will include Fidelio (Beethoven, Germany); Les Troyens (Berlioz, France); and Eugene Onegin (Tchaikovsky, Russia).
Finally, we’ll briefly look at Mozart’s The Impresario and Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana (both being presented by Vero Beach Opera on March 29, 2026) which bookend the Romantic Era.
WE WILL POST THE DATE, TIME and REGISTRATION DETAILS HERE SOON.
SPRING 2026
VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART'S LEONHARDT AUDITORIUM
Puccini's Girl of the Golden West
Is it the first spaghetti western, an American opera, an Italian opera set in America, or
a story of love, hope and moral redemption?
The first opera to have its world premiere at the
Metropolitan Opera, The Girl of the Golden West
confused audiences and critics in 1910. It had a different
shape from Butterfly and Tosca, it seemed to lack arias,
and Puccini was trying to create a new musical style for
the twentieth century.
Ian Campbell will discuss the impact of the Girl and its
historical background, as the California gold miners of
1849 come to America from all corners of the world
seeking their fortunes. Minnie, the beautiful, chaste owner
of the Polka Saloon, is courted by lonely miners, the
sheriff, and a Mexican bandit. She finds love with her first
kiss but must save her chosen man from a lynch mob.
WE WILL POST THE DATE, TIME and REGISTRATION DETAILS HERE SOON.
Ian Campbell
"Girl of the Golden West" Lecture Writer and Presenter
Ian Campbell has worked in opera for more than 58 years as a singer, stage director, artistic director, broadcaster, lecturer, and company director. He began his career in 1967 in his native Australia as a tenor with Opera Australia, singing a variety of roles through the opening season of the Sydney Opera House. He moved into administration and stage direction in 1974. He has been General Director of The State Opera of South Australia, Assistant Artistic Administrator with the Metropolitan Opera, and for 30 years was General Director and Artistic Director of San Diego Opera He has given master classes around the USA and was a member of the jury for the Marcello Giordani vocal competition with Vero Beach Opera. As the stage director his productions range from Aida and La bohème to Katya Kabanova, Don Quixote, and Murder in the Cathedral. In 2003 his radio program At the Opera with Ian Campbell was honored by the San Diego Press Club with both First Place for a Radio Series and Best in Show for Radio in their annual awards program. The same year he received the Wolfensohn Award from Sydney University Graduates Union North America for services to the community.